The best walks and hikes in West Lothian

Walking through history on the coast

West Lothian has so many historic places that you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on an episode of ‘Time Team’. Exploring the small stretch of coastline provides some of the best hiking trails in West Lothian and you’ll get much more history than you bargained for. 

Walking near the shore of the River Forth, you’ll find the House of Binns. This 17th century house is only half the story as it sits on a site where at least one older manor house stood and very likely a prehistoric hill fort. 

If you’re a fan of the TV series ‘Outlander’ then you can stop by Midhope Castle, dating from the 16th century and in remarkable shape. Trails along the coast don’t just offer historic buildings either, you’ll find lots of woodlands and estuary viewpoints too. 

Roaming hills and forests 

The estuary banks are an impressive but tiny fraction of the hikes in West Lothian. This county is almost entirely rural and scattered with towns, villages and farmland. You’ll find paths to suit your mood whether you want a magical woodland adventure or to go cairn hunting.

Some of the most beautiful walks in West Lothian can be found within one of its three country parks. Beescraig, Almondell and Calderwood, and Polkemmet Country Parks are each vast and beautiful with a wide range of landscapes. 

Almondell and Calderwood is a park created by the joining of two estates along the River Almond. When walking here, you can while away the hours exploring riverside woodlands, admiring the many bridges and even head up to the stunning Almond Aqueduct. 

West Lothian is a fantastic county for hiking and is rich in history, woodlands, rivers and low hills. If you want to include some seriously notable history on your hikes, stop off at Linlithgow Palace north of Beecraigs Country Park, on the edge of Linlithgow Loch. This phenomenally well-preserved castle is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.